MICHAEL PHELPS WON'T BE CHARGED WITH A CRIME

A South Carolina sheriff says he is not going to charge swimmer after
a photo of the 14-time gold medalist showed him smoking from a
marijuana pipe.

A South Carolina sheriff said Monday he was not going to charge
swimmer Michael Phelps after a photo of the 14-time Olympic gold
medalist showed him smoking from a marijuana pipe.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said during a news conference that
he didn't have enough physical evidence to charge the swimmer, but he
defended his investigation.

"Michael Phelps is truly an American hero . . . but even with his star
status, he is still obligated to obey the laws of our state," Lott
said.

Phelps released a statement after the sheriff's decision.

"I'm glad this matter is put to rest. But there are also some
important lessons that I've learned," Phelps said in the statement.

"For me, it's all about recognizing that I used bad judgment and it's
a mistake I won't make again. For young people especially -- be
careful about the decisions you make. One bad decision can really hurt
you and the people you care about. I really appreciate the support my
family and fans have shown me and now I will move forward and dive
back into the pool, having put this whole thing behind me."

The photo showed Phelps smoking from a marijuana pipe at a party in
November when he visited the University of South Carolina. Lott said
he seized the marijuana pipe, known as a bong, that was in the photo
but couldn't prove Phelps had smoked from it.

"We had a photo and him saying he was sorry for inappropriate
behavior. He never said, 'I smoked marijuana.' We didn't have physical
evidence," Lott said.

Holding a bong is not a crime, he said.

"They're sold in stores. We're kind of sending a double message," Lott
said. "You can buy rolling papers at any convenience store in the
world, but we're telling kids not to smoke dope."

USA Swimming suspended Phelps for three months after the photo was
published, and Kellogg Co. said it would not renew its endorsement
deal with him.

The sheriff's office said eight people were arrested during the
investigation. Seven have been charged with simple possession of
marijuana, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail or a
$575 fine. Another person was arrested on suspicion of driving with a
suspended license.